Transcript Highlights:

• The Idaho Child Care Program has historically been And how?
• There were directions when it came to work requirements.
• Idaho is a health care shortage state in nearly every county, and it's a behavioral health care shortage
• Because whatever managed care is told, they're going to pay it.
• Because whatever managed care is told, they're going to pay it.

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee met with a quorum present and first took up questions about a separate Rural Health Funding Task Force. Members asked who created it, its purpose, whether it was replacing JFAC, and whether it was tied to the governor’s task force. The chair said it was created by legislative leadership, not this committee, and that JFAC would still control funding decisions; the task force was described as a structure to help shape how any future appropriation would work. The committee also recognized guests from Boise State’s Executive Educational Leadership Program before moving to the General Fund Daily Update and then the Department of Health and Welfare budget review. Legislative Services analyst Alex Williamson reviewed Health and Welfare’s Division of Welfare, Mental Health Services, and Psychiatric Hospitalization budgets. Major items included one-time Medicaid eligibility system changes tied to federal law and House Bill 345, ongoing SNAP administrative cost shifts to the general fund, Medicaid expansion work requirement implementation costs, restoration of some transfer authority, and several behavioral health adjustments. In mental health, the department requested partial restoration of positions and funding tied to the former Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, but the director said the center itself had been disbanded and the request was instead for 15 FTE to support children’s mental health and the Jeff D. settlement. Other items included funding for mobile crisis services, a fund shift for hospital benefits and cost increases, replacement items at the state hospitals, and endowment fund adjustments. Director Juliet Sharon and Behavioral Health Administrator Ross Edmonds answered extensive questions about federal changes, managed care, and behavioral health service reductions. They said the department is implementing work requirements and more frequent Medicaid redeterminations required by federal law, starting with a one-month compliance period for applicants, and is not seeking a waiver to delay implementation. On behavioral health, they explained that reductions to Medicaid and non-Medicaid services were mirrored, that ACT services were discontinued as a bundled service but individual components remain available, and that the department is tracking hospital utilization, crisis services, and client touchpoints through Magellan. Members also asked about audits, deceased-member payments, endowment funds, staffing shortages, and whether some services were being duplicated; the director said program integrity processes are in place and that the department is trying to reduce duplication while maintaining reporting transparency. No formal votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after indicating it would meet again Monday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sought to ensure that Pass to clarify marketing by direct service providers.
• With a pass and that the direct service provider is not participating as a network direct service provider
• And the coverage includes care coordination...
• to care and services available in the geographic region of the juvenile's residence.
• rural Arkansas, and I care about them getting taken care of.

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large set of agency rules and reports. Early items were routine filings: emergency-rule reports, subcommittee review reports, and administrative directive reports were filed without objection. One rule from the Department of Agriculture on maternal health providers and remote monitoring was noted as pulled by the agency and not considered. The committee then reviewed and approved several Agriculture rules, including repeal of equine ID-chip rules after Act 703 of 2025, updates to finance rules adding a new water and sewer treatment facilities grant and consolidating revolving-fund rules, and a pesticide rule creating a Class J pesticide category for feral hog toxicant use. It also approved a Commerce/Insurance rule removing duplicative workers’ compensation plan provisions, and a Corrections rule creating a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities and community correction centers. A member asked about prison visitation hours during COVID, and staff said they would check on that. The committee next approved multiple Department of Human Services rules. These included marketing rules for provider-led organizations under Act 301 of 2025, a comprehensive revision of the DCFS policy manual, changes to Medicaid eligibility to include fictive kin placements and to expand ABLE account eligibility under Act 875, presumptive eligibility changes for pregnant women to align with federal rules, and a follow-up SNAP/TEA/Work Pays rule with updated work requirements, mandatory employment and training, alien eligibility changes, and job-search requirements for certain applicants. DHS also presented a rule implementing federal coverage for certain incarcerated youth before and after release, and the committee approved it. Another DHS rule updated nurse aide training requirements to match federal CNA hour standards and moved criminal-records-check procedures to the agency website. The most extended discussion involved DHS Division of Medical Services’ dental rate rule under Act 1025. The agency explained that it was increasing pediatric dental rates and certain oral-surgery-related rates, but not orthodontic rates or a broader special-needs benefit limit because CMS would not approve a diagnosis-based limit. Members debated whether the statutory language was intended to cover general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, with legislators, the Dental Association, and DHS discussing legislative intent, fiscal impact, and whether a future fix or emergency rule might be needed. Despite the disagreement, the committee approved the rule. The committee also approved other DHS medical rules: adverse-decision appeal changes and prior-authorization posting requirements, an increased RSV administration fee for children, expanded emergency treat/triage/transport ambulance authority, and clinic-based physical and occupational therapy coverage. Later, the committee approved permanent rules for the new state insurance program under Shared Administrative Services, procurement rule revisions recommended after an ACASO review, and commodity-management rule updates including a new revenue distribution model. Under Act 595 of 2021, the committee granted two Department of Commerce/Insurance requests to be excluded from rulemaking requirements: one for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting, and one for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would promulgate rules later when clinical guidelines are available. Finally, the committee accepted a recommendation to keep and extend the Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education rules, filed outstanding rulemaking updates, and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even with title off, the direction it is going is not a direction that we can go.
• But on this bill, there is just not a direction.
• Even with title off, the direction it's going is not a direction that we can go.
• But on this bill, there's just not a direction.
• And we'll take care of it.

Bills: HB3239, HB3391, HB3557, HB4128

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears

Summary: The Agriculture Committee first considered two executive nominations and approved both unanimously. Rebecca Hartfield was re-nominated to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, where she described her rural mixed-animal veterinary work and efforts to encourage future veterinarians. James Harrell was then nominated to the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medical Authority; supporters emphasized his commitment to rural Oklahoma and addressing the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, and he discussed efforts to improve veterinary education and recruit more Oklahoma students. Both nominations passed 13-0. The committee then took up House Bill 3391, which would add improper advertising as a basis for revoking a commercial pet breeder license and define advertising to include digital and social media. Members asked about the definition and scope of commercial pet breeders. The bill passed on a 9-4 vote. House Bill 4128, dealing with black bear hunting season and harvest limits, drew extensive debate. An amendment to move the opener to September 21, expand counties, and let the Wildlife Commission set quotas failed 6-7. The underlying bill, which would have kept the September 15 opener and a 200-bear limit, also failed 3-9 after testimony and debate focused on bear population data, nuisance complaints, and concerns about out-of-state hunters and impacts on female bears. House Bill 3557, which would keep locally raised county extension funds in separate accounts so they are not swept into state accounts, passed 10-2 after questions about how local, state, and federal funds would be handled. Finally, House Bill 3239 on veterinary telemedicine passed 9-3. The bill defines the veterinarian-client relationship needed before telemedicine can be used, with supporters saying it would provide needed structure while preserving access for rural livestock care; opponents worried it could restrict access in emergencies. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> children, received direct education. children, received direct education.
• We have kind of a direct view and involvement in child care centers' day-to-day operations and the change
• We have kind of a direct view and involvement in child care centers' day-to-day operations and the change
• and involvement in child direct view um and involvement in child care<01:52:25.840><c> centers</c><01
• link to the quality of have no direct link to the quality of child<02:05:04.560><c> care.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some people would call it charity care.
• Some people would call it charity care.
• care.
• Uncompensated care.
• </c> the health care uh is delivered. the health care uh is delivered.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of care.
• That includes direct care workers and support staff across both fee-for-service and managed care delivery
• maternity care, strengthens local capacity to reduce avoidable out-of-area travel for care.” “...care
• Again, funds may not be used for routine operating subsidies, direct patient care reimbursement, or to
• care, including care integrated into OBGYN or primary care visits.

Summary: The hearing began with a stakeholder presentation from Let California Kids Hear urging coverage of pediatric hearing aids for children in the large group market. Advocates described the issue as a long-running developmental emergency, argued that existing state efforts have been inefficient, and said the new proposal would cover about 70% to 80% of affected children without new spending by redirecting existing dollars. Public commenters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s advocates, strongly supported the proposal and emphasized the need for timely access to sound. The chair thanked the group and noted hope for a future fix, including continued work on the exchange market. The Department of Finance then gave a broad budget warning about the state’s more than $20 billion structural deficit and said new investments must be weighed against out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with an overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, seismic hospital compliance, workforce programs, and the Data Exchange Framework. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, behavioral health pipeline programs, the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, and future CalRx products such as EpiPens and GLP-1s. HCAI also described its enforcement approach for health care spending targets, saying the board would not change the targets in response to H.R. 1, and outlined the diaper access initiative, which will distribute diapers through hospitals in higher-need areas. Several HCAI budget items were discussed and held open, including additional expenditure authority, the transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate, long-term care payment transparency staffing, and reporting on health care worker waiting periods. The department also presented its Behavioral Health Services Act workforce initiative and a proposed $100 million General Fund offset, which both the LAO and the chair questioned as unclear and potentially one-time in nature. HCAI said the final workforce plan would be adjusted after stakeholder consultation if the offset proceeds. The department also described the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying California received $233.6 million in federal funds, had to revise its proposal to satisfy CMS, and must obligate the money by October 30; the program will fund rural care models, workforce development, and technology, with grants rolled out on a phased basis. The Department of Managed Health Care then presented its budget and three legislative implementation requests: SB 41 on PBM reform, SB 306 on prior authorization transparency, and AB 1041 on provider credentialing timelines. Finally, the administration outlined a menopause care proposal requiring coverage and education for menopause-related services, provider training, and an outreach campaign, with DMHC requesting staffing and funding to implement and enforce the new requirements. Throughout the hearing, most items were held open for later action, and no final votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 21st century health care. was helpful for continuing of care was helpful for continuing of care during
• For them, the exemption has meant timely care. health care professionals with the health care professionals
• While eligible veterans can receive care through VA's community care program, access to specialty care
• While eligible veterans can receive care through VA's community care program, access to specialty care
• Two small town clinics and one regional urgent care center in Virginia just closed as a direct result

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, September 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Someone mentioned pregnancy care. Some of these places provide early prenatal care.
• , but it's also really important to recognize that abortion care is health care.
• , but it's also really important to recognize that abortion care is health care.
• But it's also really important to recognize that abortion care is health care.
• I'd be careful with that.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 Medicaid funding prohibition. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants by the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which runs through July 4, 2026. The Legislative Analyst’s Office had no additional comments. Members also discussed related budget context, including the broader estimated loss to California providers, the use of grant funding rather than loans, and provisions exempting some contract and records information from public disclosure. Committee debate focused on whether the funding was an appropriate priority amid other budget pressures. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers, emphasizing that the clinics provide broader primary care services such as cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and prenatal care, and that the funding is not for abortion services because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used for abortion. Opponents questioned the size of the appropriation, the use of General Fund dollars, the transparency exemptions, and why similar aid was not being directed to rural hospitals, disability services, Proposition 36, or other budget needs. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from reproductive health, medical, and health equity organizations, with some unrelated comments urging funding for dental care, disability services, housing, and county health systems. After public comment, the committee voted on AB 106 and passed it on a 12-4 vote. The bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bravery, the care. But they still didn't have any direction. They did not know. But...
• I really believe she cares, truly cares about everyone.
• In my story, I really believe she cares, truly cares about everyone.
• You have direction.
• With direct language directing DHS. This is not unequivocal.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to be direct about the moment we're in.
• about the moment And I want to be direct about the moment we're<00:23:28.320><c> in.
• </c><00:24:35.800><c> agency</c> Veterans Affairs to direct agency Veterans Affairs to direct agency
• fund uh for hospitals uncompensated care fund uh for hospitals in<00:42:36.000><c> distress.
• ,</c> health care, health care, uh<00:46:20.760><c> and</c><00:46:20.920><c> takes</c><00:46:21.200><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to be very careful about spending $500 on a banner.
• just direct you to do it, right. Uh, Mr. Chair, that is correct.
• Consider yourself directed counsel. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• some change to take care of our folks and take care of our members.
• Um, careful what you ask for.

Transcript Highlights:

• So not only are we bringing people to our health care, we're taking health care right to our people where
• The bill also defines medical care needs.
• The bill also defines medical care needs.
• I have worked in the health care industry for over a decade, and I know what adequate care looks like
• directed by law, but...

Summary: The committee began with a Department of Corrections update focused on agency culture, staff safety, reentry, and health services. Secretary Tim Lang highlighted DOC’s “Washington Way” approach, expanded visitation reforms, safety summits, community-corrections sanction changes, education and transportation improvements, partial confinement expansion, and efforts to increase volunteer and peer-led programming. Assistant Secretaries Danielle Armbruster and David Flynn described progress on Pell Grant implementation, reentry transportation, partial confinement, behavioral health standards, HIPAA compliance, the 1115 Medicaid waiver, telehealth expansion, and budget requests for opioid use disorder treatment, close-custody capacity, and staffing relief. Members asked about veterans’ units, telehealth for substance use treatment, women’s placement on the east side, correctional industries, and firefighting training. The new Office of Correction Ombuds director, Jeremiah Bourgeois, then outlined the office’s mission and limited resources, saying he would focus on the most serious complaints and continue building accountability with DOC. He described recent OCO reports, including findings of excessive force at the women’s prison, and said DOC had agreed to implement all recommendations. He also noted a new process for referring possible criminal misconduct to DOC leadership and law enforcement. Committee members praised the DOC-OCO partnership and Bourgeois’s appointment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5895, which would add a new basis for extraordinary medical placement when DOC cannot meet an incarcerated person’s basic medical care needs. Senator Saldana said the bill is intended to provide a compassionate, workable path for people with serious or end-of-life medical needs while maintaining public safety. Testifiers in support included family members, Disability Rights Washington, and the League of Women Voters, who said the current EMP process is too restrictive and rarely results in release. DOC testified that it supports the EMP framework but has concerns about the bill’s definition of “basic medical care.” A former DOC physician suggested extending the qualifying time period and adding “approximately” to the language. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5873, which would expand escorted leaves of absence to include reentry-focused outings and broaden the family definition for funeral or bedside visits. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to support a “slow release” and better prepare people for community reentry. DOC supported the concept, and witnesses from public defense, DOC reentry, and Amend said escorted reentry outings are consistent with evidence-based and international correctional practices. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5945, which would limit persistent offender sentencing to convictions occurring after age 18 and require resentencing for affected people. Supporters argued the bill aligns with youth brain-development research and would address racial disparities; opponents, including prosecutors, victim advocates, and sheriffs’ representatives, said it would reopen painful cases, undermine finality, and impose costs. The hearing on that bill was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I take care of women.
• I take care of a lot of moms and babies. And I am honored to do so.
• For this undertaking, our approach was direct.
• So we know we are headed in the right direction.
• All those have been incorporated in this continuing base care contract we have.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also includes reproductive health care workers and providers of gender-affirming care that was recently
• ' federal health care coverage.
• needs are taken care of.
• AB 2160 requires the Department of Health Care Services to issue guidance clarifying health care coverage
• California has long recognized that reproductive health care is essential health care.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But importantly, health care clinicians who can help manage that population.
• Because we're moving in the wrong direction.
• Children remain unnecessarily in foster care. Families are torn apart.
• As far as the foster care... Funding, we will continue to lag behind.
• So we want to make sure that we're moving in the right direction, getting that data.

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Proposition 36 and its implementation, with judicial and budget officials describing it as a major shift from misdemeanor to felony processing for repeat drug possession and certain theft offenses. Witnesses explained that the law creates a treatment-mandated felony process that can lead to dismissal if a defendant completes treatment, but also requires evaluations, court monitoring, and potentially long, open-ended supervision. Judicial representatives said the new law is already generating large numbers of filings, creating workload, staffing, courtroom, and facility pressures, and that access to treatment beds, housing, and evaluation capacity is limiting participation. Several speakers emphasized that collaborative courts are effective but are not a perfect fit for Prop. 36 because those programs are typically probation-based and serve different risk/need populations. Court officials from San Bernardino and Orange counties said the impacts vary by county but are severe, with some counties seeing hundreds or more filings in a short period and others moving more slowly to build treatment infrastructure first. They argued that Prop. 36 is effectively an unfunded mandate unless the state provides more resources for judges, staff, facilities, treatment, housing, and supervision. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted that Prop. 36 will reduce the Proposition 47 savings that fund mental health and substance use treatment grants, but said the near-term reduction is relatively modest and that the full effect will take time to appear because of the way those savings are calculated. Members of the committee repeatedly raised concerns that the state is underfunding the courts and counties needed to carry out the new law. The committee also reviewed the Governor’s proposed trial court operations budget, including a partial restoration of a prior $97 million cut and additional ongoing funding. Judicial branch officials said the restoration helped avoid furloughs, hiring freezes, and service reductions, and supported cybersecurity, technology, staffing, and records management. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more detail on how midyear restorations are handled and consider clarifying language for transferring unspent trial court trust fund monies to the General Fund. Finance said the flexibility in the ongoing funding was intentional and would be taken back for consideration. In a separate item, the committee heard testimony on a $6.3 million increase for Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal appointed counsel programs. Judicial officials and appellate project representatives said the system is facing a crisis because indigent appeals have risen sharply while the number of panel attorneys has fallen, leaving many cases waiting months for counsel. They argued the proposed increase would help but is still below what is needed to recruit and retain attorneys and prevent delays that affect criminal, juvenile, and child welfare cases. The committee also discussed the Tracy courthouse project in San Joaquin County, where local officials said reopening a courthouse closed since 2011 is necessary to serve a growing population and relieve overcrowding elsewhere. The LAO and Finance both noted the project is next in line under the facilities plan, though LAO suggested the Legislature could consider whether other facility priorities should come first.

Transcript Highlights:

• care workers there.
• which provides medical care to children who have very debilitating conditions, to a managed care program
• The care component, this component of Children's Medical Services, was transferred into managed care
• of health care expense.
• Yes. first care. I would appreciate your support.

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2303 pertains to employer-directed microchip implants in employees.
• Very briefly, the bill before you prohibits an employer... ...directed microchip implants in employees
• A property owner or direct contractor cannot avoid liability that...
• I book other jobs around the time needed, arrange child care, and plan to travel.
• I book other jobs around the time needed, arrange child care, and plan to travel.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 2303 would prohibit employers from requesting, requiring, or coercing employees to receive subcutaneous microchip implants, with enforcement through L&I complaints, civil penalties, and private lawsuits; the sponsor said it was a preventive labor standard and noted there was no opposition. HB 2144 would require employers to give written notice before using electronic monitoring for employee performance evaluations, and testimony split between labor supporters, who said workers should know how they are monitored, and business, local government, trucking, retail, construction, and law enforcement representatives, who raised concerns about broad definitions, safety uses, and litigation exposure. HB 2190 would expand collective bargaining rights for language access providers so missed or canceled appointments could be bargained as compensation; interpreters and union representatives supported it, saying they lose income when clients no-show, while the sponsor said the bill would clarify bargaining rights without changing employment status. The committee also heard HB 2345, a technical change to the state paid family and medical leave premium split in response to IRS guidance. Staff explained the proposed substitute would shift the employer contribution from the medical share to the family share so benefits would not be treated as taxable wages, while keeping the overall premium burden roughly the same; supporters called it a common-sense fix, and some business and school district witnesses said they wanted to avoid additional taxes and preserve program stability. The most extensive debate was over HB 2191, which would make property owners and direct contractors liable for unpaid wages and benefits in construction projects, with exceptions for government and small residential properties. Workers, unions, the Attorney General’s office, and some contractors supported the bill as a way to combat wage theft and level the playing field, while industry groups and subcontractors argued it would impose broad liability on responsible contractors, raise costs, hurt small businesses and minority-owned firms, and should be narrowed with safe harbors or right-to-cure provisions. No votes were taken; the committee held hearings on the bills and adjourned after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't care what political party you are. I don't care what race you are.
• their direct care staff-to-resident ratios, and retain staffing data for at least 18 months.
• SNFs are required to have health care professionals on staff, disclose their direct care staff-to-resident
• You take all the hours worked by the direct care staff in a day, and you divide it by the number of residents
• Direct care ratios won't tell us everything we need to know about the quality of care in a facility,

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 22, established a quorum, and adopted its 2023-24 committee rules. The hearing then considered five bills focused on aging, long-term care, immigrant seniors, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. AB 450 would create a task force to study the needs of undocumented Californians age 55 and older; supporters from CHIRLA and other advocates described barriers to housing, health care, retirement, and digital access, while members raised questions about eligibility and process. The bill was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. AB 508 would require residential care facilities for the elderly to disclose staffing information upon request at admission and when rates increase. The author and supporters argued that staffing levels are closely tied to quality of care and that families need transparency to make informed choices; a witness described her father’s death in an understaffed facility. Assisted living industry representatives opposed the bill as burdensome but said they were continuing discussions with the author. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1476 would allow senior congregate meal programs to continue offering to-go meals, a practice expanded during the pandemic. Supporters said the option improved access for homebound and food-insecure seniors and helped bring people into senior centers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1068 would create a working group on evacuation and sheltering needs for older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care during disasters, and AB 1069 would ensure area agencies on aging and aging/disability resource programs have access to emergency shelters to provide services. Both measures drew broad support from aging, disability, and advocacy groups, with testimony citing recent fires and evacuations, and both were approved and re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. The committee also left rolls open for additional members to add votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Child Care.
• So it's important that we take care of them and take care of them because they take care of our loved
• I also oppose any care cover. challenges, including changes into long-term care.
• IHSS care provider. I've been providing care for over 50 years.
• and reliable care.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're paying for those 11 years and the cost of his care for the rest of his life.
• But they can't take care of the people they hurt. That's not right.
• We have a health care crisis. I represent a very rural area.
• Speaker, I am concerned to make sure that we've got health care providers there to take care of our patients
• I want to keep our hospitals and health care providers there.

Keywords: March 10, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all